Cost Estimator

Richard; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Ins.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

15 days PTO

7 paid holidays

401(k) matching contributions

Parental leave

Transportation benefits for Chicago HQ

On-site meal program (Chicago)

Gym membership reimbursement

Job summary

Richard, Purpose Builders, seeks a seasoned Cost Estimator to prepare accurate, comprehensive estimates across commercial, healthcare, industrial, and federal projects. You will lead day-to-day estimating activities, review drawings, perform takeoffs, solicit proposals, and assemble detailed, competitive estimates.

Strong organization and bid-management skills are essential. You will collaborate with PMs and subcontractors to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and ensure bids meet project

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of all-trade estimating experience.
• Experience bidding federal & private sector projects.
• Proficient in estimating software and Excel; self-sufficient.
• Experience bidding commercial buildings; design-bid-build/design-build.

Responsibilities

• Reviews plans to develop scope of work and costs.
• Prepares quantity takeoffs and pricing of scope.
• Reviews bids and ensures completeness and competitiveness.
• Prepares bid packages and ITB documentation.
• Understanding FAR clauses for government contracts.

Skills

Estimating across trades

Excel proficiency

Price/scope development

Bid coordination

RFIs & estimate software

Self-perform estimating

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/MEP Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Position: Cost Estimator (All Trades/MEP)

Department: Estimating/Preconstruction

Reports to: Preconstruction Manager

Location: Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA

Employment Type & Shift: Full-time benefits eligible

Join Richard, Purpose Builders: Where Your Impact Matters

At Richard, we're not just another construction company – we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.

Why Choose Richard?

Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line

Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers

Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality

Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth

Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction

Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you're not just a number – you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation. Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.

Job Summary

As a Cost Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive cost estimates for a wide range of commercial, healthcare, industrial, and federal construction projects. With 10+ years of hands-on estimating experience across all construction trades—including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), civil, structural, architectural, and specialty scopes, you will lead the day-to-day estimating efforts from document review through final bid submission. You will analyze drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals, develop detailed scopes of work, and assemble comprehensive estimates that accurately reflect project costs. You must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines. Your primary focus will be to deliver accurate, timely, and well-documented estimates that support successful project pursuits. You will work closely with project managers, operations, and subcontractors to clarify scope, identify gaps, resolve discrepancies, and ensure each bid is complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company standards.

Responsibilities

• Reviews project plans, requirements and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and develop scope of work, labor, and equipment costs
• Initiates RFIs as needed for accurate and competitive pricing
• Prepares quantity takeoffs and pricing of scope either through self-perform production-based estimating or unit price estimating
• Assists with estimating preparation and ITB software
• Reviews and understands all bid documents and material requirements to assess constructability and product material requirements
• Prepares bid packages
• Reviews all bids across subcontractors to ensure pricing comparisons are accurate and all missing items are recorded and accounted for
• Prepares estimates according to the requirements of multiple delivery systems
• Reviews quotes and estimates with the project management team
• Understands FAR clauses, the self-performance requirements on Government Contracts

Mandatory Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of all trade estimating experience
• Experience bidding federal & private sector projects
• Proficient in estimating software and Excel; must be self-sufficient
• Experience bidding commercial building projects
• Experience with hard bidding, design-bid-build and design-build
• Able to produce detailed estimates for 5+ different trade packages
• Experience with construction means and methods, costs and engineering principles
• Engages and coordinates with Estimators on the bid
• Understands costs and market conditions
• Accurately estimates time required to complete actions and activities
• A motivated and driven individual with strong organizational and communication skills
• Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure bidding environment
• Advanced computer skills with estimating software
• A desire to stay and grow with a company that will help mentor, train, and educate you

Preferred Qualifications

• Assisting with the bid process
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, MEP Engineering or Construction Management
• Expertise in building construction
• Experience in a competitive hard bidding environment
• Experience bidding healthcare, and design-build projects
• Experience with Davis Bacon-Prevailing wage or Union required projects
• Experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, NAVFAC

Benefits

At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 7 paid holidays
• Richard's Quarterly Bonus Program is effective immediately to all employees, given they have met their 90-day new hire waiting period
• Company 401(k) matching contributions
• Parental leave policy
• We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees working from our Chicago office
• Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
• All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs

Pay Range

$120,000.00-$150,000.00

The base salary range for this position as of posting is Richard’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation for this role. The range for this role takes into account the factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Experience Consideration: The qualifications listed above represent the minimum experience preferred for this role. Candidates who possess significantly more experience, specialized expertise, or an exceptional background in estimating across multiple construction trades will be considered for a higher-level position. Compensation will be evaluated accordingly and may be adjusted to reflect the candidate's qualifications, experience, and overall value to the organization.